Paul Robert "Quaker Hill fix-it-man" Hoffmann

Paul Hoffmann Obituary

Waterford - Paul Robert Hoffmann, Quaker Hill fix-it-man and tinkerer, died Wednesday, March 14, 2012, in New London.

He was born on Feb. 26, 1940, in Philadelphia. His family moved to Quaker Hill, in 1941.

Paul was descended from a family of craftspeople, inventors, engineers, and gardeners. A graduate of Chapman Technical High School, Paul studied electricity and radios and could repair many related appliances as well as small gas engines. He loved animals and aspired to a self-sufficient life off the grid. Paul remained in Quaker Hill at his family's homestead on Smith Cove and was well known in the New London area for his mechanical aptitude, his junk collection, and independent spirit.

His father, Willibald C. and mother, Marion S. Hoffmann, predeceased him in 1996 and 1988. His father was well known as the originator of the Quaker Hill Craft Shop. His mother was a great humanitarian in the Quaker Hill Village and for Our Savior's Lutheran Church in New London.

Paul's brother, William and his wife, Arlene, live in Stanwood, Wash.

The Hoffmann family thanks the staff at Lawrence & Memorial hospital for the exceptional kindness they showed in caring for Paul.

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, April 18, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Quaker Hill.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Apr. 12, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Hoffmann

9 Entries

Leon Gay

May 7, 2012

An icon has passed from Quaker Hill history. I can remember sitting on our lawn with my brothers and sisters in the nights darkness watching the fireworks streeming out of their shop windows. It was like science fiction. They were in there welding but what does a kid know.

Who would have thought years later Paul would become part of our lives. He was a good friend who often came to our house and sat with the family, saying very little as was his way but when he did say something it was always interesting.

Yes, Paul may be gone but not forgoten

Susan Smith

April 14, 2012

My sister Phyllis and I grew up in Quaker Hill with my parents, and we were neighbors of Paul. We all felt close to Paul as he would visit us often and we always had a lot of great conversations and laughs. Paul would do anything for us. He watched our animals when we went to Florida to visit my sister, and upon our return he'd have dinner ready and waiting for us. He helped out when our basement flooded, and was our fix-it man when something was broken. My parents helped Paul too, by driving him around to run errands. It was nice to see him driving his cart all over Quaker Hill,and marching to his own drummer. We've had the pleasure of getting to know his newphew Fritz. He was very loving and helpful to Paul for many years. We are very sad to hear of Paul's passing and will keep him and his family in our prayers. With our deepest sympathy, Susan, Walter & Sarah Smith and Bernie & Marlene Simon.

matt strickland

April 14, 2012

Paul was a life time frend and neighbor to me and my whole family, he will be missed for his sklls and unigue sense of humor.
Matt and Patty Strickland

Maureen Hoffmann

April 13, 2012

It's so touching to read the dear comments of Uncle Paul's local neighbor friends. Thanks to all of you for your kindnesses and friendships to him over the years.

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Paul leaving my home after a visit.

George Blahun

April 12, 2012

I feel fortunate to have known Paul. He was a highly intelligent, unconventional person with a unique perspective on life. I'll never forget our conversations and visits. Quaker Hill will never be quite the same.

April 12, 2012

i grew up in quaker hill in the 70s.everyone knew Paul.....good guy always....so sorry :(

April 12, 2012

I'm so sorry to learn of Paul's passing. He was such a smart person and so generous and sharing. He would come over to the annual Yale-Harvard boat race party with a tractor full of food and goodies. You could ask him anything and he'd know the answer. My sympathies are with you.
Karen Krohn, Quaker Hill

Kathleen & Frank Welch

April 12, 2012

Mr. Hoffman was our neighbor, and we knew he had moved out of the Quaker Hill house some time ago. We missed him. We used to see him driving his tractor down Old Colchester Road. Mr. Hoffman was the kind of person that makes a neighborhood YOUR neighborhood. Even though we didn't know him, we felt protective of his privacy and his yard. Nothing of any use went to waste with Mr. Hoffman, which is a great thing! At Christmas-time, he put a small display of lights in his beautiful old home, and it looked very pretty.
God rest your soul, Mr. Hoffman!
Quaker Hill will miss you.

Elaine Perkins-Gagnier

April 12, 2012

I remember Paulie... since I can remember , as a child of 5 years old back in 1951. Going to Doc's Store , then Hoagland's Variety Store , for a fountain vanilla coke and waving to Paulie and Mr Hoffman in his old work shop next to the store..I have missed the summer sound of Paulie driving his riding mower up the Old Colchester hills and waving to him from our big high front bank. He and his family was a Village staple for sure. When one thinks of our Village , Paulie and the Hoffman homestead automatically come to mind. He will be greatly missed in the Quaker Hill Village. Our thoughts and prayers are with him. Rest in peace Paulie

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